Ultrasound Probe Patch Switching to Suppress 3D Grating Lobes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-quality two-dimensional and three-dimensional image quality due to grating lobes generated during three-dimensional scanning, which deteriorate the image quality of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound images.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a patch division circuit to divide transducers into multiple patches in the elevation and azimuth directions for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional scanning, with probe beam formers performing beam forming on transmission and reception signals, and a main body beam former to improve image quality by controlling steering angles and intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transducers are divided into patches with multiple transducers in the elevation direction for two-dimensional scanning, then image quality of two-dimensional ultrasound image is improved, but grating lobes are generated during three-dimensional scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the patch configuration adaptive rather than fixed. The patch division circuit dynamically reconfigures transducer groupings based on the scanning mode (two-dimensional or three-dimensional), allowing the system to optimize for each mode without being constrained by a static patch structure. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high-quality two-dimensional imaging while preventing grating lobes in three-dimensional scanning through mode-specific configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of patch configuration (number of transducers per patch, arrangement pattern) based on the scanning mode. For two-dimensional scanning, patches are configured with multiple transducers in the elevation direction to improve image quality. For three-dimensional scanning, the patch configuration is modified to prevent grating lobe generation. This parameter adaptation resolves the technical contradiction.
2Device complexity
If a fixed patch configuration is used for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional scanning, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single patch division circuit that can perform multiple functions: configuring patches for two-dimensional scanning and reconfiguring them for three-dimensional scanning. This universal circuit replaces the need for separate fixed configurations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high image quality for both scanning modes through adaptive reconfiguration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the image quality of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound images by reducing grating lobes, allowing for high-quality imaging in both modes.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound probe including a two-dimensional transducer array in which a plurality of transducers are arranged
Implementation Method 2
beam forming is performed on a transmission signal and a reception signal of each patch
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a method for controlling the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of improving image qualities of a two-dimensional ultrasound image and a three-dimensional ultrasound image. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus (1) includes an ultrasound probe (2) and an apparatus main body (3). The ultrasound probe (2) includes a two-dimensional transducer array (11) including a plurality of transducers, a patch division circuit (12) that divides at least a part of the transducers into a plurality of patches in which the transducers are arranged in an elevation direction in a case of performing the two-dimensional scanning and divides at least a part of the transducers into a plurality of patches in which the transducers are arranged in an azimuth direction in a case of performing the three-dimensional scanning, and a plurality of probe beam formers (13) corresponding to the plurality of patches. The apparatus main body (3) includes a main body beam former (25). The probe beam formers (13) perform beam forming on transmission and reception signals for the transducers in the patches, and the main body beam former (25) performs beam forming on the transmission and reception signals for the plurality of patches.